Kentavious Caldwell-Pope Opting Out of Lakers Contract

Rajon Rondo and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope got enough playoff experience with the Los Angeles Lakers. Rondo hit his second ring. Both guards had a big role in the deep postseason, and they can definitely get a good deal with another team. Some reports have suggested that Rondo plans to opt-out of his contract with the Lakers. What about Caldwell-Pope? He holds an $8,493,746 player option.

“Caldwell-Pope is expected to decline his $8.5 million player option, sources said,” Shams Charania of The Athletic reported.

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope to leave the Lakers?

Caldwell-Pope had great internal leverage with the team. He is a skilled player with a great 3-and-D skill set. His talent complemented LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Lakers head coach Frank Vogel was impressed with the player’s creation ability. This was more than helpful for the team. He was able to stay strong in the deep postseason run.

The Los Angeles Lakers wouldn’t have enough cap space to provide a great replacement for Caldwell-Pope this offseason if he opts out of his contract. Well, the team has his Bird rights and may re-sign him to any amount up to the max.

Rich Paul represents Caldwell-Pope, LeBron James, and Anthony Davis. Los Angeles will try to provide a good roster for LeBron.

KCP is 27 and he can easily end up playing with a different team. LA may not make a big jump here. They may not give Caldwell-Pope a long-term deal. The front office may open major cap space around King James and Davis in 2021.

Caldwell-Pope has inked a few short deals with LA. Are Jeanie Buss and Rob Pelinka willing to give him a longer deal? The team will probably go with another shorter contract. Caldwell-Pope has created a better picture for himself and he may try to earn more cash.

Los Angeles may enter the upcoming season without many of the veterans who helped win the title in Orlando. Davis may enter the free agency market as well. But, he did hint at a potential mass contract with the Lakers. In other words, we can’t do anything else but wait and see what happens next.